University Workers Reject 'Insulting' Pay Deal

Today outside Queen's University, workers are demonstrating against a low pay offer.

The current offer of a one per cent increase is 'an insult' to the hard working staff, their union Unite said, arguing that it did not match the 3.1% retail prices index and they would find it harder to buy essential goods as inflation spikes.

Unite members also said that university bosses have already paid themselves a higher pay deal than non-academic staff have been offered.

The union said that the University Senate awarded senior academic staff on average over treble the amount it paid to non-academic staff last year.

Mike Robinson of Unite said: "Over the last four years, staff at Queens University have received measly pay increases of 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.5% and this year's offer of one per cent is frankly an insult to the hardworking staff at the university. By making these low increases university bosses are applying a real terms pay cut, as inflation over the same period has gone up by nearly 15 per cent, our members' wages have gone down.

It seems to be one rule for bosses and another for hard pressed staff. The whole thing stinks and we will be recommending staff reject this paltry offer."

Unite demonstrators will be joined at the Queens University protest by other trade unions and the student union which is also supporting the demonstration.

(NE)